AS part of Gawler Council’s renewal approach for open space and recreational assets, Hemaford Grove Reserve playground was identified for an upgrade in the council’s 2020/2021 Annual Budget.
Consultation was undertaken to inform the final design for this upgraded play space, which included a ‘Say How You Play Day’ in this park on Saturday, October 31, 2020.
“The community embraced the opportunity to come together and discuss their ideas about what should be included in the Hemaford Grove Reserve Playspace redevelopment,” Mayor Karen Redman told The Bunyip.
“This event, together with written submissions received, allowed residents considerations to be used to inform the outcomes being implemented for this play space upgrade.
“Overall, the feedback provided was fantastic and has been well received by the council.”
Mayor Redman said a key issue identified was “creating a ‘space for everyone’, ensuring it allows for a diversity of community use across differing age groups”.
“The playground will contain new play equipment (both traditional and nature play), new trees and shade, new furniture, larger irrigated kick about lawn space, planting beds and community art,” she continued.
“Construction is expected to start in the coming months.”
Another playspace in Gawler West (Britton Street) is being considered for redevelopment as part of the 2021/2022 Annual Budget, together with a new half-court basketball court placed in this location.
Council is currently seeking a State Government grant to extend the outcomes possible at this playspace.
Gawler Council CEO Henry Inat said the number of play spaces available to residents in Gawler is increasing each year.
“In addition to council’s playground renewal scheme, new land developments also deliver new play spaces for all community members to enjoy,” he said.
“New play spaces aim to meet Town of Gawler’s Open Space Guidelines, but also allow for flexibility in their design to ensure a diversity of play spaces through the township.
“Council is always looking at ways to improve the standard of its play spaces through improving disability access for all users, providing spaces for different age groups, increasing shade provision, meeting safety standards and increasing biodiversity in our parks,” added Mayor Redman.
The attached map provides information regarding where council’s existing playspaces are, identifies the ones that are being upgraded and those that are planned for the future.
Sun smart shade sails
Council was recently awarded a Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Grant to install shade sails over existing playgrounds within Gawler.
“Shade sails are excellent additions to playgrounds, as they allow children to play longer and safer during hot summer days by
cooling the air and reducing the play equipment temperature,” said Mayor Redman.
“They also assist provide UV protection from the sun for visitors and improve the life expectancy of play equipment.”
Council has nominated the following four different sites for shade sails to be installed prior to June 30 this year:
• Adelaide Road/5th Street Playground
• Willaston Oval Nature Playspace
• Apex Park Reserve
• Hemaford Grove Reserve